Margaret River Pro goes high-tech to avoid sharks

It was a handshake and an embrace between two brothers of the ocean – one a world surfing champion, the other a surfer lucky to have escaped alive from the jaws of a great white shark.

But more than 12 months after he was mauled, Margaret River surfer and shark attack survivor Alex Travaglini finally had a chance to thank John John Florence.

Florence, a Hawaiian professional surfer and the two-time world champion, donated a surfboard and signed rash vest that were auctioned off to raise much-needed funds for Mr Travaglini’s medical treatment after his near-death encounter.

Camera IconAlex Travaglini was attacked by a shark while surfing near Gracetown.Picture: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian

Florence said donating the surf memorabilia was the least he could do, and seeing Mr Travaglini walking and surfing again was “inspiring”.

As he emerged from the water after winning his opening round of the event yesterday, Florence told Mr Travaglini: “It’s inspiring to see you back in the water. It’s such a scary thing to happen, but I’m stoked to see you back surfing. It’s just inspiring.”

“It’s such a scary thing to happen. We all think about it,” he said.

“It can happen anywhere in the world and anything we can do to help… We come here and surf all the local spots, and it’s awesome to be here, so I just wanted to help in any way I could.”

The fisheries minister says the 37-year-old knowingly put himself in harm's way.